Improved defensive line is a huge boost for Lions' Julian Peterson

View full sizePhilip Zaroo | MLive File PhotoLinebacker Julian Peterson hopes to spend more time attacking from the up position, rather than putting a hand in the dirt like he was forced to do more frequently than the Lions would've otherwise liked.

ALLEN PARK - When you look strictly at the numbers, it's a little surprising that linebacker Julian Peterson is still with the Detroit Lions.

Coming off a subpar year by the standards of a three-time Pro Bowl player, Peterson is scheduled to make $7.5 million this season. There were some rumors that the Lions would ask Peterson to take a pay cut but it's doubtful those talks ever materialized. The problem is that the Lions are so weak at linebacker they can't afford any more losses while Peterson made it crystal clear at the end of last season that he had no interest in discussing a cut in pay.

Perhaps the biggest reason that Peterson is still around is because the Lions coaching staff believes he can regain his prior Pro Bowl form. Because Detroit was so poor on the defensive line last season, Peterson was sometimes used as a pass-rushing defensive end. It's a position that he doesn't feel suits his talents (the coaching staff, by the way, feels the same way, but they were desperate).

History has shown that Peterson is much more effective when he's used to blitz from a standing-up position and sent from different spots all over the field. His 4 ½ sacks last year was his lowest total in his last four seasons. In his last three years in Seattle, Peterson had a total of 24 ½ sacks.

Detroit's improved defensive line should also help keep the Lions' linebackers "clean'' and allow them to make more plays. Peterson has shown that he can make things happen when he gets involved. While he didn't have an interception - he's only had eight in his 10-year career - he did force a career-high five fumbles last season.

After this season, Peterson has two more years left on his contract - for $8 million and $8.5 million, respectively. The Lions are hoping that Peterson plays well enough this season that the year-end discussions are about a possible return to the Pro Bowl - not a possible pay cut.